Rehabilitation Services

The Rehabilitation Services department at St. Joseph Medical Center is devoted to helping persons disabled through accident, injury or disease. Our goal is to help them regain their highest level of independence through advanced programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language services. To accomplish this goal, we employ a staff of experienced professionals who utilize innovative techniques designed to relieve pain, strengthen and re-train muscles.

These services are provided to both inpatients and outpatients.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

The St. Joseph Outpatient Rehabilitation Center is a comprehensive therapy facility that includes Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy services. Each discipline is staffed by highly qualified therapists that focus their level of expertise and care on each patient's unique need.

We demonstrate our commitment to quality care by ensuring a positive, relaxed interaction with patients and timely communication with referring physicians.

Physical Therapy

Our Physical Therapy services are directed towards the treatment and prevention of movement dysfunction. Our primary mission is to help our patients gain and maintain as much control and independence in their lives as possible. This includes a thorough evaluation of a patient's problem, setting goals that are meaningful to the patient and applying the appropriate treatment.

We emphasize strengths, not limitations.

Throughout the process the patient is educated in self-care skills that allow for greater independence and prevention of future dysfunction or impaired mobility.

We provide the appropriate setting and level of care that enable individuals to reach their highest functional level.

The types of patient problems we treat include:

• spinal pain and dysfunctions
• joint strains and sprains
• headaches
• sport injuries
• arthritis
• post-operative orthopaedic
• neuromuscular diseases
• balance and gait disturbances
• muscular weakness from injury or illness
• acute and chronic pain
• postural dysfunction
• evaluation and custom fitting for foot orthotics
• Lymphedema Management program
  • 3 Certified Lymphedema Therapists

Our Physical Therapy staff are experts in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and exercise. Please meet them more personally by reviewing their bios.

Libby Harnois, P.T.

Libby Harnois is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin/Madison's Physical Therapy Program. She has 19 years of professional experience with a focus on orthopaedics during the past 15 years.

Her expert skills combine deep tissue and joint mobilization methods with the application of specific, individualized exercises to alleviate all types of musculoskeletal problems.

Her treatment approach is based on a thorough biomechanical analysis to help pinpoint areas of dysfunction. In addition to the hands on treatment, Libby provides the necessary education to enable a person to self-treat or prevent the problem from returning.

Libby is also a consultant for the Heuga Center in Edwards, Colorado. This is a wellness center for people with multiple sclerosis. She has been working at this center for over 15 years and has developed an expertise working with this population.

Jennifer Raimondi, DPT. CLT

Jennifer Raimondi, DPT. CLT, Graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University at Buffalo in May 2009. Has experience in acute care working with neurological, orthopedic, cardiac and critical care populations. Became a Certified Lymphedema therapist in October 2010.

Lauren Gitschier, MPT, CLT

Lauren Gitschier, M.S. P.T., received her Masters of Physical Therapy in 2005 from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. Her clinical experience has focused predominantly on inpatient acute care, subacute rehab and inpatient and outpatient orthopedics. In 2006, she became nationally credentialed in lymphedema management through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.

Lauren has shared in the development of the Lymphedema Clinic at St. Joseph Medical Center, as well as the Inpatient and Outpatient Post-Operative Breast Cancer Programs. These programs focus on Lymphedema education and management and optimal return of function for patients who have undergone surgery for breast cancer.

Christine Hudacek, MPT, CLT

• Masters of Physical Therapy in 1998 from the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA
• 13 years of experience predominantly spent in outpatient Physical Therapy setting (both neuro and orthopaedic)
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist - Lerner Lymphedema Services Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 1998

Occupational Therapy

• Evaluation for adaptive equipment
• Static splinting
• Hand therapy

  • Marlene Riley, MMS, CHT, OTR/L

    Marlene Riley is a 1980 graduate from the Towson University Occupational Therapy Program. She has been a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) since 1991. She is currently a Clinical Associate Professor at Towson University as well as a member of the interdisciplinary team in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Department.

    Riley has experience treating a broad range of conditions that impact hand function including children with delays in development of fine motor skills; sports-related injuries; repetitive motion and work-related conditions; neurological (tremors, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease); and orthopedic conditions (fractures and arthritis).

• Cognitive/perceptual treatment
• Neurodevelopmental and neuromuscular treatment
• ADL assessments/safety evaluations
• Drivers Safety Evaluations
  • Denise Thatcher, OTR/L
  • Meghan Schoeffield, OTR/L

Speech Therapy

• Evaluation and treatment of speech-language function
• Evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders
• Modified Barium Swallows

Parking

Parking is convenient, close and free.

Scheduling and Billing

Services are available by appointment only. A physician’s or dentist’s prescription is required for therapy. Call 410–337–1336 and press 1 to schedule an appointment. For more information about our services please call 410-337-1412.

As a courtesy, we bill insurance companies directly and accept assignment for Medicare and Medicaid.

HMO patients require written authorization from the patient’s primary care physician (PCP) for outpatient services at St. Joseph Medical Center. Please obtain this authorization before your first appointment.